Cassette with memory

ABSTRACT

A plurality of additional information are made correspond to one predetermined video image; a storing order of events is properly set and data processes in a memory in case of adding or deleting character information are easily executed. The number information indicative of the number of text events corresponding to the program event is recorded in the program event. As for memory areas of the cassette with a memory, there are provided: a main area in which tape information and the like are stored; and an optional area in which TOC information, timer recording information, character information, and the like are stored. In the case where character information regarding the events of the optional area exists, the character information is stored at the last position of the optional area.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/310,106,filed Sep. 22, 1994, abandoned

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a cassette with a memory which is used for adigital VCR which can add a plurality of character information to avideo image, and relates to a data arrangement in a memory area of amemory in a cassette with a memory for recording digital data.

2. Description of the Related Art

A digital VCR for digitizing video data and recording onto a magnetictape is being developed. Since a transmission band of digital video datais very wide, for example, a DCT transformation or the like is performedto the digital video data and, after that, the video data is recordedonto the magnetic tape.

A digital VCR into which a cassette package having therein a memory orthe like can be loaded has also been proposed. There has also beenproposed an apparatus in which by loading such a cassette package,signals can be input and output to/from the digital VCR and arepresentative still image of a program recorded on the cassette tapeand a tape address and TOC (Table Of Contents) from which the program isstarted are stored into a memory, thereby simplifying the access andrealizing a high speed.

The memory provided in the above cassette package comprises a main area,an optional area, and an unused area. Its data structure is divided intoa main area and an optional area. The main area is the area in whichdata (main event) such as tape information or the like is recorded. Theoptional area is the area in which data (optional event) such as indexinformation, TOC, and the like is recorded.

In U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,338,644 and 4,383,285 are disclosed that a memoryloaded in a recording medium cassette of a VCR stores reacording data,and in Japanese Patent Application number H04-217503 and correspondingto EP Application number 0,580,434, are disclosed such recording mediumcassette. Each of the above application are owned by the assignee of thepresent invention and are hereby incorporated by reference.

The character information regarding the recorded video image is recordedinto a text event existing in the memory. In the case where there is thecharacter information, a text flag provided in the memory is set to "0".In the case where there is no character information, the text flag isset to "1". The character information and the text event correspond in aone-to-one relation.

Even in the case where there are a plurality of character information,the text flag is set to "0". However, since there is the one-to-onecorresponding relation between the character information and the textevent, a plurality of character information cannot be made correspond toone text event. Therefore, a plurality of character information cannotbe added to the recorded video image.

In the case where the above-mentioned event is accompanied withcharacter information or the like, a text event is recorded. In case ofrecording the text event, if the recording order with the other eventsis not properly set, when the character information is added or deleted,data processes in the memory are complicated.

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a cassette witha memory in which by making a plurality of character informationcorrespond to a plurality of text events, the plurality of characterinformation can be added to a recording video image.

It is another object of the invention to provide a cassette with amemory in which the recording order of a text event and the other eventsis properly set and data processes in the memory in case of adding ordeleting character information can be easily executed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is provided a cassette with a memory in whichvideo data and audio data are digitally recorded, characterized in thatnumber information indicative of the number of additional informationregarding predetermined information in the memory is recorded into thepredetermined information, thereby making the plurality of additionalinformation correspond to the predetermined information.

The number information indicative of the number of text eventscorresponding to the program events is recorded into the program events.Due to this, a plurality of text events can be made correspond to oneprogram event.

The present invention is provided a cassette with a memory for recordingdigital data, wherein as for memory areas in the memory, there are amain area in which tape information or the like is stored and anoptional area in which TOC information, timer recording information,character information, etc. are stored, and in the case where there ischaracter information regarding events of an optional area, thecharacter information is recorded at the last position of the optionalarea.

In the case where there is character information regarding the events ofthe optional area, the character information is recorded to the lastposition of the optional area. Due to this, data processes in the memorycan be easily performed.

The above, and other, objects, features and advantage of the presentinvention will become readily apparent from the following detaileddescription thereof which is to be read in connection with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are block diagrams of a digital VCR corresponding to acassette with a memory according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a track format;

FIG. 3 is a d diagram which is used for explanation of a track format;

FIG. 4 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a track format;

FIG. 5 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a track format;

FIG. 6 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a track format;

FIG. 7 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a track format;

FIG. 8 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a track format;

FIG. 9 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a track format;

FIG. 10 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a track format;

FIG. 11 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a track format;

FIG. 12 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a track format;

FIG. 13 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a track format;

FIG. 14 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a track format;

FIG. 15 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a track format;

FIG. 16 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a track format;

FIG. 17 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a track format;

FIG. 18 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a track format;

FIG. 19 is a diagram which is used for explanation of APT;

FIG. 20 is a diagram which is used for explanation of the APT;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are diagrams which is used for explanation of the APT;

FIG. 22 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a fundamentalconstruction of packs;

FIG. 23 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a hierarchystructure of headers;

FIGS. 24A to 24C are pack header tables;

FIG. 25 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a cassette IDpacks for the main area of MIC;

FIG. 26 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a tape length packfor the main area of MIC;

FIG. 27 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a time code packfor the main area of the subcode;

FIG. 28 is diagram which is used for explanation of a title end pack forthe main area of the subcode;

FIG. 29 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a chapter startpack for the main area of the subcode;

FIG. 30 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a part number packfor the main area of the subcode;

FIG. 31 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a source pack forthe main area of the AAUX data;

FIG. 32 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a source controlpack for the main area of the AAUX data;

FIG. 33 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a time and daterecord pack for the main area of the AAUX data;

FIG. 34 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a time record packfor the main area of the AAUX data;

FIG. 35 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a binary grouppack for the main area of the AAUX data;

FIG. 36 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a TBD pack for themain area of the AAUX data;

FIG. 37 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a source pack forthe main area of the VAUX data;

FIG. 38 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a source controlpack for the main area of the VAUX data;

FIG. 39 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a time and daterecord pack for the main area of the VAUX data;

FIG. 40 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a time record packfor the main area of the VAUX data;

FIG. 41 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a binary grouppack for the main area of the VAUX data;

FIG. 42 is a diagram which is used for explanation of a closed captionpack for the main area of the VAUX data;

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing the relation between the pack header tableand the recording medium;

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a state in which the AAUX data of ninepacks is extracted and written in the track direction;

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing SYNC blocks which are used only for theVAUX data;

FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a state in which SYNC blocks which are usedonly for the VAUX data are arranged in the track direction;

FIGS. 47A and 47B are diagrams showing data which is recorded in an IDportion;

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing a data portion of the subcode;

FIGS. 49A to 49D are external views of a cassette with a memory;

FIG. 50 is a diagram showing a data construction of MIC;

FIG. 51 is a diagram showing optional events which are recorded in anoptional area of MIC;

FIG. 52 is a memory map of MIC;

FIGS. 53A and 53B are circuit diagrams for judging a tape grade;

FIG. 54 is a flowchart for a detecting algorithm in the case where thecassette with a memory has been loaded;

FIG. 55 is a diagram showing the contents of MIC for the VCR in a newcassette tape;

FIG. 56 is a diagram showing the contents of MIC other than those forthe VCR in the new cassette tape;

FIG. 57 is a flowchart regarding the recognition and recording of APM ofa digital VCR for industrial affairs;

FIGS. 58A and 58B are diagrams which is used for explanation of a tagevent;

FIGS. 59A and 59B are diagrams which is used for explanation of the tagevent;

FIGS. 60A and 60B are diagrams which is used for explanation of the tagevent;

FIGS. 61A and 61B are diagrams which is used for explanation of a zoneevent;

FIGS. 62A and 62B are diagrams which is used for explanation of the zoneevent;

FIGS. 63A and 63B are diagrams which is used for explanation of the zoneevent;

FIGS. 64A and 64B are diagrams which is used for explanation of the zoneevent;

FIG. 65 is a diagram showing the details of an event header;

FIG. 66 is a diagram regarding the timer reservation, program eventgeneration, and index event generation;

FIG. 67 is a diagram regarding the timer reservation, program eventgeneration, and index event generation;

FIG. 68 is a diagram showing the case of recording another program intoone program;

FIG. 69 is a diagram regarding the generation of events in the casewhere another program has been recorded so as to exist in both of twoprograms and the rewriting of an end pack and a start pack;

FIG. 70 is a diagram showing the case of recording another program fromthe halfway of a program 1 and erasing all of the subsequent programs;

FIG. 71 is a diagram in case of recording a plurality of characterinformation regarding one recorded program;

FIG. 72 is a flowchart in case of recording a plurality of characterinformation regarding one recorded program;

FIG. 73 is a diagram showing a data array of variable length text packs;

FIG. 74 is a diagram showing a program text header pack construction inthe case where there are (n) character information;

FIGS. 75A to 75C are diagrams showing a recording pattern of a tape;

FIG. 76 is a flowchart in case of reproducing video data; and

FIG. 77 is a flowchart in case of reproducing audio data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the invention will be explained hereinbelow withreference to the drawings. Explanation will now be sequentially made foreasy understanding in accordance with the following order.

(A) with respect to a digital VCR according to the invention

(B) with respect to a track format

(C) with respect to an application ID

(D) with respect to a pack construction

(E) with respect to the recording of AAUX data and VAUX data

(F) with respect to an ID

(G) with respect to a structure of the cassette with a memory

(H) with respect to a data structure of an MIC

(I) with respect to a discrimination of cassette

(J) with respect to events

(K) with respect to the generation and erasure of events

(L) with respect to the case of recording a plurality of text events

(M) with respect to a tag recording

(A) With respect to a digital VCR according to the invention

FIGS. 1A and 1B are block diagrams of a digital VCR according to theinvention. In the digital VCR to which the invention is applied, a videosignal is digitized and is compressed by a DCT transformation and thesignal is recorded onto a magnetic tape by a rotary head.

First, the recording mode will be explained. In FIG. 1, a televisionbroadcasting is received by an antenna 1. A reception signal of theantenna 1 is supplied to a tuner section 2. A channel setting signal issupplied from a controller 10 to the tuner section 2. A channel settinginput is given to the controller 10 from an input apparatus 11. On thebasis of the channel setting signal, a reception signal of a desiredchannel is selected by the tuner section 2 from the received televisionbroadcasting. A video signal and an audio signal of the selectedtelevision broadcasting are demodulated by the tuner section 2.

A component video signal comprising, for example, a luminance signal Yand color difference signals (R-Y) and (B-Y) is output from the tunersection 2. The video signal is supplied to an A/D converting section 3.The video signal is converted to the digital signal by the A/Dconverting section 3. An output of the A/D converting section 3 issupplied to a data block forming section 4. In the data block formingsection 4, the video signal is shuffled and divided into, for example,(8×8) blocks. An output of the data block forming section 4 is suppliedto a compression coding section 5.

The compression coding section 5 DCT transforms the blocked video signaland quantizes the signal so that a code amount of a predetermined bufferunit is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. The quantizedoutput is variable length coded by using, for example, a 2-dimensionalHuffman code. An output of the compression coding section 5 is suppliedto a data adding section 6.

Video auxiliary (VAUX) data is supplied from an annexed data formingcircuit 33 to the data adding section 6. The VAUX data is spare datasuch as channel number, monochrome/color, source code, channel category,recording time, recording year/month/date, and the like. In order toform such spare VAUX data, various kinds of data is supplied from thecontroller 10 to the annexed data forming circuit 33. The VAUX data isadded to the video data generated from the compression coding section 5by the data adding section 6. A parity for error correction is added inthe horizontal and vertical directions. The video data to which the VAUXdata was added as mentioned is supplied to a data synthesizing section12.

Audio data is also generated from the tuner section 2. The audio data issupplied to an A/D converting section 8. The audio data is converted tothe digital data by the A/D converting section 8. An output of the A/Dconverting section 8 is supplied to a data adding section 9. Audioauxiliary (AAUX) data is supplied from the annexed data forming circuit33 to the data adding section 9. The AAUX data is spare data such as 2-channel/4-channel, sampling frequency, presence/absence of emphasis,recording time, recording year/month/date, and the like. The AAUX datais added to the audio data by the data adding section 9. The audio dataadded with the AAUX data is supplied to the data synthesizing section12.

Further, a subcode forming section 13 is provided. The subcode is datafor searching such as time code, track number, and the like. The subcodefrom the subcode forming section 13 is supplied to the data synthesizingsection 12.

The video data from the data adding section 6, the audio data from thedata adding section 9, and the subcode data from the subcode formingsection 13 are synthesized by the data synthesizing section 12.

An output of the data synthesizing section 12 is supplied to a time basecorrector (TBC) 14. The recording data is time base corrected by the TBC14. An output of the TBC 14 is supplied to a data shaping section 15.The recording data is subjected to a 24-25 modulation (modulating methodof converting 24-bit data to 25-bit data and recording) by the datashaping section 15.

An output of the data shaping section 15 is supplied to heads 19a and19b through recording amplifiers 17a and 17b and switches 18a and 18b.The switches 18a and 18b can be switched in the recording mode and thereproducing mode. The compressed video data, audio data, and subcodedata are recorded onto a magnetic tape (not shown) by the heads 19a and19b.

Subsequently, the reproducing mode will now be explained. The recordingdata of the tape is reproduced by the heads 19a and 19b and is suppliedto reproducing amplifiers 20a and 20b through the switches 18a and 18b.Outputs of the reproducing amplifiers 20a and 20b are supplied to aswitch 21. A head switching signal is supplied to the switch 21. Anoutput of the switch 21 is supplied to a data reconstruction shapingsection 22. The reproduction data is demodulated by the datareconstruction shaping section 22. An output of the data reconstructionshaping section 22 is supplied to a TBC 23. A time base of thereproducing data is corrected by the TBC 23. An output of the TBC 23 issupplied to a data separation and error correcting section 24.

The data separation and error correcting section 24 separates thereproduction data into the video data, audio data, and subcode data. Anerror correcting process of the reproduced video data, audio data, andsubcode data is executed by the data separation and error correctingsection 24.

The video data from the data separation and error correcting section 24is supplied to a data separating section 25a. The VAUX data has beenadded in the video data supplied to the data separating section 25a. TheVAUX data is separated by the data separating section 25a. The videodata is supplied to a data decoding section 27. The separated VAUX datais supplied to an annexed data reproducing section 31a. The VAUX data isreproduced by the annexed data reproducing section 31a. The reproducedVAUX data is supplied to the controller 10.

The data decoding section 27 executes an expanding process of thecompressed video data by performing a decoding of the 2-dimensionalHuffman code, inverse quantization, and inverse DCT to the reproductiondata. An output of the data decoding section 27 is supplied to a datareconstructing section 28. A block combining process is executed in thedata reconstructing section 28. Digital component video data comprisingthe luminance signal Y and the color difference signals (R-Y) and (B-Y)is generated from the data reconstructing section 28. The digitalcomponent video data is supplied to a D/A converting section 29a. Thedigital component video data is converted into the analog componentvideo data by the D/A converting section 29a. The analog component videodata is generated from an output terminal 30a.

The audio data from the data separation and error correcting section 24is supplied to a data separating section 25b. The AAUX data has beenadded in the audio data supplied from the data separating section 25b.The AUX data is separated by the data separating section 25b. The audiodata is supplied to a data reproduction processing section 32. Theseparated AAUX data is supplied to an annexed data reproducing section31b. The AAUX data is reproduced by the annexed data reproducing section31b. The AAUX data is supplied to the controller 10 and the datareproduction processing section 32.

The data reproduction processing section 32 executed a reproducingprocess of the audio data. The AAUX data reproduced by the annexed datareproducing section 31b is used as control data for the reproducingprocess of the audio data. Digital audio data is output from the audioreproduction processing section 32. The digital audio data is suppliedto a D/A converting section 29b. In the D/A converting section 29b, thedigital audio data is converted into the analog audio data. The analogaudio data is output from an output terminal 30b.

In the digital VCR to which the invention is applied, as mentionedabove, the VAUX data as addition data is added to the video data and theAAUX data as addition data is added to the audio data. The controlinformation and the information of the recording time and recordingyear/month/data can be obtained from the VAUX data and AAUX data. Theinformation of the time code and the absolute number of the track can beobtained from the subcode information.

Further, among the cassettes into which tapes are enclosed, there is acassette with a memory. Together with the information of the tape itselfsuch as tape length, tape thickness, kind of tape, and the like, tableof contents (TOC) information, index information, character information,reproduction control information, timer recording information, and thelike can be stored in the memory referred to as an MIC (memory incassette)!. The memory in the cassette is connected to the controller 10though a terminal 34. By using the memory in the cassette, it ispossible to skip to a predetermined program, set the reproducing orderof the programs, and designate a scene of a predetermined program andreproduce a still image (photo) and timer record.

(B) With respect to a track format

A track format will now be explained hereinbelow with reference to FIGS.2 to 18. In the NTSC system, one frame is constructed by 10 tracks. Inthe PAL system, one frame is constructed by 12 tracks. As shown in FIG.2, in a tape for the digital VCR, one track is constructed by an ITIarea, an audio sector, a video sector, and a subcode sector inaccordance with this order from the entrance side of the track. Innerblock gaps (IBG) are provided among the sectors and a margin is providedafter the subcode.

Explaining in detail, the ITI area as a timing block to certainlyexecute an after-recording is provided at the entrance end of the track.Generally, on the entrance side of the track, it is difficult to obtaina good contacting state of the head because of causes of a mechanicalaccuracy and the like, so that it is unstable. Therefore, a number ofsync blocks each having a short sync length are recorded in the ITIarea. Sync numbers are sequentially allocated to the sync blocks inaccordance with the order from the end of the track entrance. The caseof after-recording is considered now. When an arbitrary one of the syncblocks recorded in the ITI area is detected, the position on the presenttrack is accurately detected from the number recorded there. On thebasis of the detection, the after-recording area can be decided.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged diagram of the ITI area. In FIG. 3, the ITI areais constructed by: a preamble consisting of 1,400 bits for the pull-inof the PLL of the digital data reproduction or the like; an SSA (startsync block area) consisting of 1,830 bits (61 blocks) to decide theafter-recording area; a TIA (track information area) consisting of 90bits (3 blocks) to store information regarding the whole track; and apostamble consisting of 280 bits which is provided for a margin.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged diagram of the TIA area. In FIG. 4, the TIA areacomprises an APT (application ID of a track) of 3 bits, an SP/LP of 1bit, an RSV (reserve) of 1 bit, and a PF (Pilot Frame) of 1 bit. The APTis an application ID existing in a track and specifies the datastructure. Namely, by the APT value, the track is divided into severalsectors and a position on the track, a sync block structure, and an ECCconstruction are set. As will be explained hereinlater, by setting AP1to APn under the APT, the data construction on the track can be set to ahierarchy structure. The SP/LP indicates track pitches. Namely, the SPdenotes the track pitch which is used in the recording mode of thestandard time and the LP indicates the track pitch which is used in along time mode. The PF indicates a reference frame of a servo system.

FIG. 5 shows a structure of the audio sector. The audio sector isconstructed by 14 sync blocks per track. Data is 24-25 converted and,after that, it is recorded. Therefore, the total bit length is equal to

    90×14×8×25÷24=10,500 bits

Each sync block comprises a preamble of 500 bits, an audio data area,and a postamble of 550 bits. The preamble comprises a run-up of 400 bitsand a presync of 100 bits (2 sync blocks). The run-up is used for thepull-in of a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) and the presync is used for apredetection of an audio sync block. The postamble comprises a postsyncof 50 bits (1 sync block) and a guard area of 500 bits. The postsync isused to confirm the end of the audio sector by the sync number of theID. The guard area is used to guard so that its data is not multiplexedto the audio sector when the after-recording of the video sector isperformed.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged diagram of the presync in the audio sector shownin FIG. 5. The presync comprises 6 bytes of two sync bytes, ID0, ID1,IDP (ID parity), and SP/LP. As for the value of the SP/LP, SP isindicated by FFh and LP is indicated by 00h. The ID byte of the SP/LPshown in FIG. 6 is the data for protection and is the spare data of theSP/LP which also exists in the above-mentioned TIA sector. That is, inthe case where the value of the SP/LP in the TIA sector cannot be read,the SP/LP in the presync is read out.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged diagram of the postsync shown in FIG. 5. Thepostsync comprises 6 bytes of two sync bytes, ID0, ID1, IDP, and DUMY.The DUMY stores FFh as dummy data.

After the data of six bytes in each of the presync and the postsync wassubjected to the 24-25 conversion, it is recorded. Therefore, the totalbit length is as follows.

presync: 6×2×8×25÷24=100 bits

postsync: 6×1×8×25÷24=50 bits

FIG. 8 shows a sync block structure from the first sync to the ninthsync of the audio sector. One sync block comprises 90 bytes. Five bytesin the former half portion of one sync block have a structure similar tothat of each of the above-mentioned presync and postsync. Five bytes inthe former half portion in the audio data area comprising 77 bytes areused for the AAUX (Audio Auxiliary) data. The AAUX data is the sparedata of the audio signal which is recorded in the audio sector of thetrack. As such data, there are the following data: namely, source dataindicative of 2-channel/4-channel, a sampling frequency, a source code,the presence/absence of the emphasis, and the like; recording time dataindicative of the recording time (hour, minute, second, and the like) ofthe audio data and the frame number; source control data indicative ofthe start and end of the recording of the audio data; binary group datawhich is recorded in the main area; and T.B.D.(this is an abbreviationof "To Be Defined" and is specified for the definition hereinlater)data. After the AAUX data of five bytes, an audio data area of 77 bytesis provided. After the audio data area, a horizontal parity C1 of eightbytes is provided.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a sync block structure of the parity C1 in arange from the 10th sync to the 14th sync in the audio sector. As willbe also obviously understood from FIG. 9, it is assumed that the firstfive bytes are similar to those of the sync structure shown in FIG. 8.Subsequently, a vertical parity C2 of 77 bytes is provided and thehorizontal parity C1 is finally provided.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which 14 sync blocks provided inthe audio sector of one track are arranged in the vertical direction.After the nine sync blocks shown in FIG. 8, five sync blocks shown inFIG. 9 are sequentially arranged.

FIG. 11 shows a structure of the video sector. The video sector isconstructed by 149 sync blocks per track. The video sector comprises apreamble of 500 bits, a video data area of 111,750 bits (135 syncblocks), and a postamble of 975 bits. The preamble comprises a run-up of400 bits and a presync of 100 bits (2 sync blocks). The run-up is usedfor the pull-in of the PLL and the presync is used for the predetectionof a video sync block. The postamble comprises a postsync block of 50bits (1 sync block) and a guard area of 925 bits. The number of bytes ofthe guard area is larger than that of the guard area in the postambleprovided in the audio sector.

FIG. 12 shows a structure of one sync block in the video sector. Onesync block among the video sector comprises 90 bytes. First five bytesin the 90 bytes have a structure similar to that in the presync andpostsync of the audio sector. The following 77 bytes relate to a dataarea to which video data or VAUX (Video Auxiliary) data is recorded. Thevideo data is recorded as video data of one buffer unit. The VAUX datais the spare data for the video data. As such data, there are thefollowing data: source data indicative of a channel number, monochrome,a source code, a tuner category, and the like; recording time dataindicative of the recording time (hour, minute, second, and the like)and a frame number of the video data; source control data indicative ofthe start and end of the recording of the video data; binary group datawhich is recorded in the main area, which will be explained hereinlater;recording year/month/date data indicative of the recordingyear/month/date of the video data; and a closed caption for a title.After the data area, the horizontal parity C1 is provided.

FIG. 13 shows a structure of 11 sync blocks in the latter half portionof the video sector. In FIG. 13, first five bytes are similar to thoseshown in FIG. 12. Subsequent to the five bytes, the vertical parity C2of 77 bytes is added and, further, the horizontal parity C1 of eightbytes is added after the vertical parity C2. The same number of bytes asthat of the horizontal parity C1 shown in FIG. 12 is allocated to thehorizontal parity C1. 0041!

FIG. 14 is a diagram in which each sync block of one video sector isarranged in the vertical direction. In one video sector shown in FIG.14, first 2 sync blocks and one sync block just before the verticalparity C2 are exclusively used for the VAUX data. In the portions otherthan the VAUX data, horizontal parity C1, and vertical parity C2, thevideo data compressed by using the DCT (discrete cosine transformation)is stored. In details, 135 sync blocks shown in FIG. 14 are used as astorage area of the video data. In the diagram, reference numerals ofBUF (buffer) 0 to BUF 26 are written. The BUF indicates one bufferingblock.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged diagram of the subcode sector. The subcode sectorcomprises a preamble of 1,200 bits, a subcode area of 1,200 bits (12sync blocks), and a postamble of 1,325 bits (or 1,200 bits). Thepreamble is a run-up for the pull-in of the PLL. The postamble is aguard area.

FIG. 16 shows a structure of the subcode of one sync block. One syncblock is constructed by 12 bytes. First five bytes have a structuresimilar to that of the first five bytes in the audio sync and videosync. Subcode data is recorded in the next five bytes. The horizontalparity C1 is provided to the remaining two bytes.

The subcode sector doesn't have a product code structure like an audiosector or video sector. Namely, different from the audio sector andvideo sector, the vertical parity C2 is not added. The subcode is mainlyused for a high speed search. Since the vertical parity C2 cannot beread out together with the horizontal parity C1 in the limited envelope,the vertical parity C2 is not provided. In order to enable the highspeed search of about 200 times to be performed, the sync length is alsoset to a short length of 12 bytes. Further, the preamble is longer thanthose of the other sectors. This is because the subcode sector is usedin an application like a writing of indices such that it is frequentlyrewritten or the like and the subcode sector exists in the last portionof the track, an adverse influence is exerted in a form such that all ofthe deviations in the former half portion of the track are added.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show structures of ID0 and ID1 in the sync block of thesubcode. FIG. 17 shows the structures of the 0th sync block and the 6thsync block. FIG. 18 shows the structures of the sync blocks other thanthe 0th and 6th sync blocks. The contents of the data sections of theformer half portion of five tracks (525 lines/60 Hz) or six tracks (625lines/50 Hz) of the subcode sector are different from those in thelatter half portion.

In FIG. 17, an F/R flag indicative of the discrimination about whetherthe data relates to the former half portion or the latter half portionis provided for the most significant bit in the variable speedreproducing mode or the high speed searching mode. AP33, AP32 and AP31as application IDs are provided for the three bits subsequent to the F/Rflag. The absolute track numbers are provided for both of the latterfour bits of ID0 and the first four bits of ID1. The absolute tracknumbers are sequentially recorded from the head of the tape. On thebasis of the numbers, the MIC, which will be described hereinlater,executes a TOC (Table of Contents) search or the like. Sync numbers 3,2, 1, and 0 are sequentially allocated to the latter four bits of ID1.They indicate the sync numbers in the track.

As shown in FIG. 18, the F/R flag is provided for the most significantbit. An index ID, a skip ID and a PPID (Photo Picture ID) aresequentially stored to the next three bits in accordance with the orderfrom the upper bit. The index ID is the conventional ID which is usedfor an index search. The skip ID is the ID for cutting an unnecessaryscene such as a commercial scene. The PPID is used for a photo (stillimage) search. The absolute track numbers are provided for both of thelatter four bits of ID0 to the first four bits of ID1. Sync numbers 3,2, 1, and 0 are sequentially allocated to the lower four bits of ID1.They indicate the sync numbers in the track.

(C) with respect to an application ID

As mentioned above, one track is divided into several sectors and theirpositions on the track, a sync block structure, and the like arespecified by the APT. The details of the APT (Application of a Track)will now be explained hereinbelow by using FIGS. 19 to 21. FIG. 19 showsa data structure of the track specified by the APT. As will be obviouslyunderstood from FIG. 19, data on the track is divided into areas 1 to(n) by the APT values in the ITI area as a data structure. Gaps areprovided among the areas. The APT has a hierarchy structure as shown inFIG. 20. That is, the areas on the track are specified by the APT as abase and, further, AP1 to APn are specified for the respective areas.The number of areas on the track is specified by the APT. In FIG. 20,the APT has a double hierarchy structure. It is also possible toincrease the number of hierarchies.

A state in the case where the value of the APT is equal to, for example,"000" is shown in FIG. 21A. In this instance, area 1, area 2, and area 3are specified on the track. Their positions on the track, a sync blockstructure, an ECC construction to protect the data from errors, gaps tocompensate each area, and an overwrite margin to compensate theoverwriting are set. APn to decide the data structure of the area existsin each area. APn simply has the following meanings.

AP1 . . . to set the data structure of the area 1

AP2 . . . to set the data structure of the area 2

AP3 . . . to set the data structure of the area 3

APn of each area, namely, AP1, AP2, and AP3 are defined as follows wheneach of them is equal to "000".

AP1=000 . . . the data structure of the AAUX data in the audio data ofthe VCR is used.

AP2=000 . . . the data structure of the VAUX data in the video data ofthe VCR is used.

AP3=000 . . . the ID data structure of the subcode of the VCR is used.

In case of realizing the VCR, therefore, the value of APT is set asfollows as shown in FIG. 21B.

    AP1=AP2=AP3=000

The cassette can be also used for the recording of data other than thedigital video data like a data streamer. The track structure can be alsoset by using the application ID in this case.

(D) With respect to a pack structure

As mentioned above, the AAUX data is recorded in five bytes in theformer half portion of the audio data in the audio sector. The VAUX datais recorded in two sync blocks in the former half portion and one syncblock just before C2 in the video sector. The AAUX data and the VAUXdata are constructed on a "pack" unit basis as a fixed length block offive bytes. Further, the subcode and the data of MIC are constructed onthe "pack" unit basis. A pack denotes a minimum unit of a data group andone pack is constructed by collecting associated data. The text of theMIC exceptionally has a variable length. A basic construction of thepack is shown in FIG. 22. The first byte (PC0) is a header indicative ofthe contents of the data. A portion between the second byte (PC1) andthe fifth byte (PC4) indicates data.

FIG. 23 shows a hierarchy structure of the header. Eight bits of theheader are divided into upper four bits and lower four bits. The upperfour bits are set to the upper header and the lower four bits are set tothe lower header, thereby forming a double hierarchy structure. Thedouble hierarchy structure can be expanded to a lower hierarchy than thelower header by assigning the bits of the data as necessary. Thecontents of the pack are clearly systematized by forming a hierarchystructure as mentioned above and can be also easily expanded. The 256spaces by the upper and lower headers are prepared as a pack headertable together with the contents of each pack.

FIG. 24 is a pack header table. As mentioned above, the pack headertable consists of 256 spaces. The pack structure corresponding to eachheader value are shown in FIGS. 25 to 42.

FIG. 25 shows a pack construction for a main area of MIC, which will beexplained hereinlater. It is called a "cassette ID". When the header isequal to "all 0", such a pack construction is formed. An ME (MIC ERROR),a multi byte, and a memory type are written in PC1. The multi byte showsthe maximum number of words which can be written in a single multi bytewriting cycle. Four bytes can be written when the multi byte is equal to"0". Eight bytes can be written when it is equal to "1". 16 bytes can bewritten when it is equal to "2". When the multi byte is equal to "othernumber", it is reserved (the reserve value is specified as a multiplierof two bytes). The memory type shows the EEPROM when "00". The memorytype indicates the reserve when "others". The memory size of the space 0is written in the upper four bits of PC2. The memory size of the lastbank in the space 1 is written in the lower four bits of PC2. The memorysize of the space 0 and the memory size of the last bank of the space 1are set to: 256 bytes when "0", 512 bytes when "1", 1K bytes when "2",2K bytes when "3", 4K bytes when "4", 8K bytes when "5", 16K bytes when"6", 32K bytes when "7", 64K bytes when "8", and reserve when "others".The memory bank number of the space 1, namely, the total number ofmemory banks in the space 1 is written in PC3. A tape thickness iswritten in PC4. The digit of 1 of the tape thickness is defined in"THICK1". The numeral of the first decimal place of the tape thicknessis defined in "THICK1/10".

FIG. 26 shows a pack construction for the main area of the MIC. It iscalled a "tape length". When the header is equal to "00000001", such apack construction is formed. The last absolute track number of the tapeis written in this pack.

FIG. 27 shows a pack construction for the main area of the subcode. Itis called a "time code". When the header is equal to "00010011", such apack construction is formed. An S2 flag, an S1 flag, the digit of 10 ofthe frame, and the digit of 1 of the frame are written in PC1. An S3flag, the digit of 10 of the second, and the digit of 1 of the secondare written in PC2. An S4 flag, the digit of 10 of the minute, and thedigit of 1 of the minute are written in PC3. An S6 flag, an S5 flag, thedigit of 10 of the hour, and the digit of 1 of the hour are written inPC4. The pack includes a time code indicative of the elapsed time in thetitle.

FIG. 28 shows a pack construction for the main area of the subcode. Itis called a "title end". When the header is equal to "00011111", thepack construction is formed. Track number data indicative of the end ofthe tape position of the title is shown in the pack. A blank flag BF iswritten in the LSB of PC1. A mode flag SL and a flag RE (Recordingproofed events Exist) which is effective only to the MIC are written inPC4. When the mode flag is equal to 0, the reserve for the LP mode isset and when the mode flag is equal to 1, an SP mode is set. When the REis equal to 0, it indicates that a recording protection event exists andwhen the RE is equal to 1, it indicates that no recording protectionevent exists. The RE is set to "1" in the subcode, AAUX data, and VAUXdata.

FIG. 29 shows a pack construction for the main area of the subcode. Itis called a "chapter start". When the header is equal to "00101011",such a pack construction is formed. The pack indicates the startposition of the tape of the chapter. A temporary true flag TT is writtenin the LSB of PC1. The flag is effective only for the MIC. When the flagis equal to "0", it indicates that no event data exists in the MIC andwhen the flag is equal to "1", it indicates that event data exists. Theevent denotes an information unit of the MIC and it indicates, forexample, text information, a tag event, a program event, indexinformation, and the like. A text flag and a genre category are writtenin PC4. The text flag is also effective only for the MIC. When the textflag is equal to "0", it indicates that text information exists and whenthe text flag is equal to "1", it indicates that no text informationexists. The genre category denotes, for example, the genre in the sourcecontrol pack of the subcode.

FIG. 30 shows a pack construction for the main area of the subcode. Itis called a "part number". When the header is equal to "00110010", sucha pack construction is formed. The pack includes a chapter number and apart number. The digit of 10 of the chapter number is written to theupper four bits of PC1 and the digit of one of the chapter number iswritten to the lower four bits of PC1. The digit of 10 of the partnumber is written to the upper four bits of PC2 and the digit of 1 ofthe part number is written to the lower four bits of PC2.

FIG. 31 shows a pack construction for the main area of the AAUX data. Itis called a "source". When the header is equal to "01010000", such apack construction is formed. A lock mode flag LF and an audio frame sizeAF are written in PC1. The lock mode flag LF shows a lock state of anaudio sampling frequency annexed to the video data. When the lock modeflag LF is equal to "0", a lock mode is set and when the lock mode flagis equal to "1", an unlock mode is set. The AF size shows the number ofaudio samples in each frame. An audio channel mode, a pair flag PA, andan audio mode are written in PC2. The audio channel mode shows a2-channel mode when its value is equal to "0", a 4-channel mode when itis equal to "1", and the reserve in case of others. The pair flag PAindicates an arbitrary channel of the pair channel when it is equal to"0" and an independent channel when it is equal to "1". The audio modeshows the contents of the audio data in each channel.

A 50/60 flag and an audio signal type STYPE are written in PC3. The50/60 flag and the audio signal type STYPE discriminate the HD system ofa field frequency 50 Hz, the HD system of a field frequency 60 Hz, thePAL system, and the NTSC system. An emphasis flag EF, a time constantflag TC of the emphasis, a sampling frequency SMP, and a quantization QUare written in PC4. The emphasis flag EF shows "ON" when it is equal to"0" and "OFF" when "1". The time constant flag TC of the emphasis is setto 50/15 μsec when it is equal to "1" and the reserve when "0". Thesampling, frequency SMP is set to 48 kHz when it is equal to "0", 44.1kHz when "1", 32 kHz when "2", and the reserve when "others". Thequantization QU is set to 16-bit linear when it is equal to "0", and12-bit nonlinear when "1", and the reserve when "others".

FIG. 32 shows a pack construction for the main area of the AAUX data. Itis called a "source control". When the header is equal to "01010001".Such a pack construction is formed. The whole PC1 is set to the reserve.A recording start frame flag, a recording end frame flag, and arecording mode flag are written in PC2. The recording start frame flagindicates a recording start frame when it is equal to "0" and the otherframes when "1". The recording end frame flag indicates a recording endframe when it is equal to "0" and the other frames when "1". Therecording mode flag shows original when it is equal to "0", a 1-channelinsert when "1", a 2-channel insert when "2", and an invalid record when"3". A direction flag DRF and a speed are written in PC3. The directionflag DRF shows the reverse direction when it is equal to "0" and theforward direction when "1", respectively. The speed specifies areproducing speed of the input audio data. For instance, in case of anormal speed, "0100000" is recorded. A genre category is written in PC4.The genre category shows a genre of the source control pack of the AAUXdata.

FIG. 33 shows a pack construction for the main area of the AAUX data. Itis called a "time and date record". When the header is equal to"01010010", the pack construction is formed. A summer time flag DS, a30-minute flag TM, and a time zone are shown in PC1. The summer timeflag DS is set to a summer time when it is equal to "0" and a normaltime when "1". The 30-minute flag TM shows a time difference from theGMT (Greenwich standard time) on a 30-minute unit basis. The flag TMshows "30 minutes" when it is equal to "0" and "0 minute" when "1". Adate is shown in PC2. A week and a month are shown in PC3. A year isshown in PC4.

FIG. 34 shows a pack construction for the main area of the AAUX data. Itis called a "time record". The pack has data concerning the recordingtime when the recording is executed to a tape. When the header is equalto "01010011", such a pack construction is formed. An S2 flag, an S1flag, and the digit of 10 of the frame, and the digit of 1 of the frameare shown in PC1. An S3 flag, the digit of 10 of the second, and thedigit of 1 of the second are shown in PC2. An S4 flag, the digit of 10of the minute, and the digit of 1 of the minute are shown in PC3. An S6flag, an S5 flag, the digit of 10 of the hour, and the digit of 1 of thehour are shown in PC4.

FIG. 35 shows a pack construction for the main area of the AAUX data. Itis called a "binary group". When the header is equal to "01010100" sucha pack construction is formed. Binary groups 2 and 1 are shown in PC1,binary groups 4 and 3 are shown in PC2, binary groups 6 and 5 are shownin PC3, and binary groups 8 and 7 are shown in PC 4, respectively. Thepack is used when time codes such as SMPTE, EBU, or the like of the VCRfor business affairs are recorded.

FIG. 36 shows a pack construction for the main area of the AAUX data andit is T.B.D.

FIG. 37 shows a pack construction for the main area of the VAUX data. Itis called a "source". The "source" is defined when the upper four bitsof the header are equal to "0110" and the lower four bits are equal to"0000". The digit of 10 of the television channel and the digit of 1 ofthe television channel are written in PC1. A black and white flag B/W, acolor frame enable flag EN, a color frame ID code CLF, and the digit of100 of the television channel are written in PC2. A source code as asource number of the input video data, a 50/60 flag, and a video signaltype STYPE are written in PC3. The video signal type STYPE discriminatesthe HD system of the field frequency 50 Hz, the HD system of the fieldfrequency 60 Hz, the PAL system, and the NTSC system together with the50/60 flag. A tuner category comprising region numbers of Europe andAfrica regions, north and south America regions, Asia and Oceaniaregions, and the like and satellite numbers are shown in PC4.

FIG. 38 shows a pack construction for the main area of the VAUX data. Itis called a "source control" and this pack is constructed when theheader is set to "01100001". PC1 has been reserved. A recording startflag indicative of the recording start position, a recording mode, adisplay mode DISP indicative of an aspect ratio or the like of thedisplay are respectively arranged in PC2. A frame and field flag FF, afield ID flag FS, a frame change flag FC, an interlace flag IL, a stillimage flag ST, a still camera flag SC, and a broadcasting system BCSYSare respectively arranged in PC3. Those flags can be used as informationindicating whether the still image has been recorded in the still imagerecording mode or not and whether the moving image has been recorded inthe moving image recording mode or not. A genre category is written inPC4.

FIG. 39 shows a pack construction for the main area of the VAUX data. Itis called a "date recording". This pack is constructed when the headeris set to "01100010". A summer time flag DS, a 30-minute flag TM, and atime zone are shown in PC1. When the summer time flag DS is equal to 0,the time is set to the summer time. When it is equal to 1, the ordinarytime is set. The 30-minute flag TM shows a time difference from the GMT(Greenwich standard time) on a 30-minute unit basis. When the flag TM isequal to 0, 30 minutes are shown. When it is equal to 1, 0 minute isshown. The day is shown in PC2. The week and the month are shown in PC3.The year is shown in PC4.

FIG. 40 shows a pack construction for the main area of the VAUX data. Itis called "time recording". This pack is the data regarding therecording time when data is recorded onto the tape. It is constructedwhen the header is set to "01100011". An S2 flag, an S1 flag, the digitof 10 of the frame, and the digit of 1 of the frame are shown in PC1. AnS3 flag, the digit of 10 of the second, and the digit of 1 of the secondare shown in PC2. An S4 flag, the digit of 10 of the minute, and thedigit of 1 of the minute are shown in PC3. An S6 flag, an S5 flag, thedigit of 10 of the hour, and the digit of 1 of the hour are shown inPC4.

FIG. 41 shows a pack construction for the main area of the VAUX data. Itis called "binary group". This pack is constructed when the header isset to "01100100". Binary groups 2 and 1 are shown in PC1. Binary groups4 and 3 are shown in PC2. Binary groups 6 and 5 are shown in PC3. Binarygroups 8 and 7 are shown in PC4. This pack is used when time codes suchas SMPTE, EBU, and the like of the VCR for business works are recorded.

FIG. 42 shows a pack construction for the main area of the VAUX data. Itis called "closed caption". This pack is used to add a title by using avertical blanking period. This pack is constructed when the header isset to "01100101".

FIG. 43 shows a recording medium which refers to the pack header tableshown in FIG. 24. As shown in FIG. 43, the headers of the areas of theAAUX data, VAUX data, subcode, and MIC are managed by the header table.

(E) With respect to the recording of AAUX data and VAUX data

FIG. 44 is a diagram in which the AAUX data of nine packs is extractedand arranged in the track direction. Reference numerals (1 to 10)written in the lateral direction indicate the track numbers andreference numerals (0 to 8) written in the vertical direction indicatethe pack numbers, respectively. In case of a system of 525 lines/60 Hz,one video frame is constructed by 10 tracks. In case of a system of 625lines/50 Hz, one video frame is constructed by 12 tracks. The audio dataand subcode are also recorded and reproduced on the basis of the onevideo frame.

As shown in FIG. 44, the values (hexadecimal notation) of the packheaders of 50 to 55 are recorded. The packs of 50 to 55 have beenrecorded to the tracks. That is, the same pack is recorded on ten tracksten times. This portion is referred to as a main area. Since theessential items such as sampling frequency, the number of quantizationbits, and the like which are necessary to reproduce the audio data arestored there, the same pack is recorded a number of times for thepurpose of data protection. Due to this, the data in the main area canbe reconstructed even for a scratch in the lateral direction, a one-sidechannel clog, or the like which is likely to occur in the tapetransport.

All of the remaining packs other than the packs in the main area areconnected in accordance with the order and are used as an optional area.As shown in a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, . . . in FIG. 44, the packs areconnected in the direction shown by arrows while skipping the packs inthe main area. In one video frame, 30 packs (525 lines/60 Hz) or 36packs (625 lines/50 Hz) are prepared for the optional area. The optionalarea can be also freely selected from the pack header table of FIG. 24every digital VCR and recorded.

The optional area comprises: a common option (for example, characterdata); and a maker's option which doesn't have a commonness and whosecontents can be uniquely set by each maker. Since the optional area isan option, only one of the common option and the maker's option canexist or both of them can exist or none of them can exist. In the casewhere no information exists, data is recorded by using a NO INFO packwithout information. The application ID and both of the above areas arepartitioned by the appearance of a maker code pack. The area after themaker code pack is set to the maker's optional area. When MIC is readout, the next pack header appears every five bytes or every variablelength byte (character data) in accordance with the contents of the packheader. However, when FFh in the unused area is read out as a header,since it corresponds to the pack header of the pack without information(NO INFO pack), the controller can detect that there is no informationafter that.

Constructions of the main area, optional area, common option, andmaker's option are common for all of the AAUX data, VAUX data, subcode,and MIC.

FIG. 45 shows a state of sync blocks which are used only for the VAUXdata. The upper two sync blocks in FIG. 45 correspond to the upper twosync blocks in FIG. 14. The lowest sync block in FIG. 45 corresponds toone sync block just before C1 in FIG. 14. When 77 bytes are divided on apack unit basis of five bytes, two bytes remain. However, the remainingtwo bytes are reserved and are not used in particular. By allocating thenumbers in a manner similar to the audio data, 45 packs of 0 to 4 areassured per track. 45 packs are extracted and arranged in the trackdirection. FIG. 46 shows such a state. Reference numerals of 60 to 65 inFIG. 46 indicate the values (hexadecimal notation) of the pack headers.The portion in which the pack headers are recorded is the main area. Thepack headers are recorded on ten tracks ten times in a manner similar tothe pack headers of the audio data. The essential items such astelevision system, picture aspect ratio, and the like which arenecessary to reproduce the video data are mainly stored there. Due tothis, the data in the main area can be also reconstructed even for ascratch, one-side channel clog, or the like which is likely to occur inthe tape transport.

All of the remaining packs other than the packs of the main area areconnected in accordance with the order and are used as an optional area.That is, as shown in a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, . . . , the packs areconnected in the direction shown by arrows while skipping the packs inthe main area in a manner similar to the AAUX data. In one video frame,390 packs (525 lines/60 Hz) or 468 packs (625 lines/50 Hz) are preparedfor the optional area. The optional area is handled in a manner similarto the AAUX data.

(F) With respect to an ID

IDP in the ID section is a parity to protect ID0 and ID1 and the samesystem is used in each of the sectors of the audio, video, and subcode.By using the IDP, a reliability for ID is raised.

FIGS. 47A to 47C are diagrams showing data which is recorded into the IDportion. FIG. 47A shows the data regarding a presync, a postsync, and aC2 parity sync. ID1 indicates a location to store the sync number in thetrack. The numbers 0 to 168 are continuously recorded by the binarynotation with respect to the sync from the presync of the audio sectorto the post sync of the video sector. The track numbers in one videoframe are recorded in the lower four bits of ID0. The numbers arerecorded at a ratio of one number per two tracks. Both of them can bedistinguished by the azimuth angle of the head. The contents of theupper four bits of ID0 are changed in accordance with the position ofthe sync.

FIG. 47B shows data regarding the syncs of the audio data and the syncsof the video data. Four bits of the sequence number are input there.This means that 12 kinds of numbers of 0000 to 1011 are allocated everyvideo frame. It is possible to distinguish that the data derived in thevariable speed reproducing mode is the data in the same frame or not.

In the presync, postsync, and sync of the C2 parity, the application IDand AP1 and AP2 are stored in the upper three bits of ID0. Therefore,AP1 is recorded eight times. AP2 is recorded 14 times. By writing anumber of times and by further distributing the writing positions, thereliability of the application ID can be raised and it can be alsoprotected.

FIG. 48 shows a data section of the subcode. Alphabets of capitalletters show the main area. Alphabets of the small letters indicate theoptional area. The contents of one pack are shown in one sync block ofthe subcode. As will be also obviously understood from FIG. 48, thecontents of the former half portion differ from those of the latter halfportion.

The data such as time code, recording year/month/day, and the like whichis necessary for the high speed search is stored in the main area. Sinceit can be searched on a pack unit basis, such a search is called a packsearch.

The optional area differs from the case like the AAUX data and VAUX datawhere they are all connected and used. This is because since theprotection of the parity is weak, the contents are distributed to theupper and lower portions every track and the same data is recorded anumber of times in the track of the former half and latter halfportions, thereby protecting. Therefore, the data of six packs in eachof the former and latter half portions can be used as an optional area.The above construction is common to both of the 525 lines/60 Hz systemand the 625 lines/50 Hz system.

(G) With respect to a structure of the cassette with a memory

In the digital VCR to which the invention is applied, a cassette with amemory can be used. FIGS. 49A to 49D show external views of the cassettewith a memory. There are cassettes with a memory of two kinds of sizes.FIG. 49A is a front view of a small cassette 41a with a memory. FIG. 49Bis a side elevational view of the small cassette 41a with a memory. FIG.49C is a front view of a large cassette 41b with a memory. FIG. 49D is aside elevational view of the large cassette 41b with a memory. The smallcassette 41a with a memory is suitable for use in a camera integratedtype VCR or the like. Fundamental structures of the cassettes 41a and41b are almost similar.

Reel axis inserting ports 42a and 42b are provided in the cassettes 41aand 41b. A reel is arranged at the reel axis inserting port 42. Amagnetic tape is wrapped around the reel. When the cassettes 41a and 41bare loaded into the VCR, tape protecting shutters 43a and 43b providedon one surface in the longitudinal direction are opened, so that thetapes are pulled out from the cassettes 41a and 41b. Reference holes 44aand 44b and erroneous erasure preventing holes 45a and 45b are providedat one corner of the cassettes 41a and 41b, respectively. A plurality ofterminals 46a and 46b are provided on the side surfaces of the cassettes41a and 41b. Confronting holes (openings for confronting the terminalswith the outside) are formed in correspondence to the terminals 46a and46b. The terminals are connected to memories (MIC) in the cassettes 41aand 41b. MIC is constructed by an EEPROM and a flash memory and inherentinformation of the cassette is recorded in the MIC.

Terminals corresponding to the terminals 46a and 46b are also providedon the VCR side. The inherent information of the cassette (tape length,tape remaining amount, the number of using times, whether the tape is arental tape or not, TOC, etc.) is read out by the VCR through thoseterminals. The information is displayed or the operation is controlled.In order to enable the inherent information of the cassette to be readout even by a VCR which doesn't cope with the cassette with a memory, byshort-circuiting the contacts between the terminals 46a and 46b and theterminals provided for the VCR or by opening or connecting the terminalsthrough resistors, its state can be judged on the VCR side and theinherent information of the MIC can be read out.

(H) With respect to a data structure of an MIC

FIG. 50 shows a data construction of the MIC. The data structure of theMIC comprises a main area, an optional area, and an unused area. A dataarea in the MIC is divided into the main area and the optional area andthe whole region except one byte of the head and FFh (unused area) isdescribed by a pack structure. Only text data is stored by a packstructure of a variable length. The other data is stored by a packstructure of the fixed length of five bytes as those of the VAUX data,AAUX data, and subcode.

In the head address 0 of the main area of the MIC, there are three bitsof APM (Application ID of MIC) as an application ID of the MIC and fourbits of BCID (Basic Cassette ID). APM specifies the data structure ofthe MIC. When three bits of APM are equal to, for example, "111", thismeans that the tape is a new cassette tape. In case of "000", this meansthat the tape is a recorded cassette tape. BCID denotes a basic cassetteID. BCID has substantially the same contents as those of an ID board(IDB) for ID recognition (tape thickness, tape kind, tape grade) in acassette without a memory. IDB is used for allowing the MIC readingterminals to have the same functions as those of a recognition hole of acassette of the conventional 8 mm VCR.

After address 0000h, three packs of a cassette ID, a tape length, and atitle end are sequentially recorded. More specific value of the tapethickness and the memory information about the MIC exist in the cassetteID pack. As for the tape length pack, the maker of the tape stores thetape length of the cassette by the number of tracks. A remaining amountof the magnetic tape can be calculated from the tape length pack and thenext title end pack (recording final position information; it isrecorded by the absolute track number). The recording final positioninformation provide a convenient use efficiency in the case where ahalfway portion is reproduced and stopped by the camera integrated typeVCR and, after that, the tape position is returned to the original finalrecording position or in case of a timer reservation.

The optional area is constructed by an optional event. Although the mainarea is a fixed area of 16 bytes of address 0 to 15, the optional areais set to a variable length area after address 16. A length of areadiffers in dependence on the contents of the optional area. When anevent (which will be explained hereinafter) is erased, the remainingevents are densely preserved in the direction of address 16. Aftercompletion of the densely storing operation, FFh is written into all ofthe unnecessary data, thereby forming the unused area. The optional areais a selective area. The TOC, tag event information indicative of thepoint on the tape, character information such as a title or the likeregarding the program, and the like are stored into the optional area.

An event is an individual information unit (for example, informationabout one program recorded) which was recorded in the MIC. The eventcomprises a main event and an optional event. The main event is recordedinto the main area and comprises: the application ID and the recordingfinal position information which are recorded by the VCR; and tapeinformation (tape length, tape thickness, tape kind, and the like) whichis recorded by the maker. The optional event is recorded in the optionalarea and comprises TOC information, index information, characterinformation, reproduction control information, timer recordinginformation, and the like.

FIG. 51 shows optional events which are recorded in the optional area ofthe MIC. The optional events are started from the event header and arefinished before the next event header or the pack header withoutinformation. As mentioned above, the contents of the optional events arenot fixed by the simple definition. The contents can be freely selectedto a certain extent every setting.

The events other than the maker's optional event (event which isrecorded by the maker) and the text event (character informationcorresponding to the event) are recorded in the first portion of theoptional area. After that, the text event and the maker's event arerecorded. In the case where the maker's optional event exists, the textevent is located just before it. When the maker's optional event doesn'texist, the text event is located to the last of all of the other events.Due to this, data processes in the memory in case of adding or deletingthe character information to/from the events can be easily executed.

The text event includes a text flag indicating whether the characterinformation exists in the TOC information or not. When the text flag isequal to, for example, "0", it indicates that the text event exists.When the text flag is equal to "0", it indicates that no text eventexists. All of the optional events other than the text event and themaker's optional event can be mixedly recorded in the optional area.Further, the TOC information is sequentially recorded in accordance withthe generating order. The recording order can be made different from theorder on the magnetic tape. After completion of the recording, the timerrecording information is set to the TOC information by changing an eventheader (which will be explained hereinlater).

FIG. 52 shows a memory map of the MIC. A memory space of the MICcomprises a space 0 and a space 1. The space 0 is constructed by anEEPROM and the fundamental function like a TOC is recorded therein. Thespace 1 is constructed by a memory (for instance, flash memory) of alarge capacity and data of a large capacity such as video data isrecorded therein. The above memory has a bank structure as a whole. Inorder to raise a high speed accessing performance, for example, thememory of the space 1 has a construction such as a batch recording andreproduction of 16 kbytes.

Each bank has a capacity of 64 kbytes and up to 256 banks can beconstructed. Therefore, the maximum size of memory space is equal to 128Mbits. The memory which is used in the space 0 can be constructed by,for example, the EEPROM as mentioned above. The memory which is used inthe space 1 is not limited to the flash memory but another memory can bealso used so long as it has a large capacity. By using such aconstruction, there is no need to provide a buffer memory for the VCR.

Reference numerals written in the lateral direction show addresses ofthe banks. Reference numerals written in the vertical direction indicatememory addresses in the banks. A data structure of the space 0 comprisesa main area and an optional area. The main area is constructed by 16bytes of addresses 0 to 15. The remaining area is set to an optionalarea. The optional events include a tag event, a zone event, a titleevent, and the like, which will be explained hereinlater. The continuoususe of the MIC is started from memory address 0. Two bytes of addresses0 and 1 have the fundamental information (tape length, tape grade, etc.)of the MIC. The contents of address 0 show the application ID and BCID.The contents of address 1 show the kind of application (information todiscriminate whether the cassette is used for the VCR or for anotherapplication).

(I) With respect to a discrimination of cassette

In addition to the foregoing cassette with a memory, there is a cassettewithout a memory. Such a cassette is provided with IDB for recognitionmentioned above. There is a VCR which doesn't correspond to the cassettewith a memory but can correspond to only the cassette without a memory.When the cassette with a memory is loaded into the VCR which is usedonly for the cassette without a memory as mentioned above, information(tape length, tape thickness, kind of tape, tape grade, etc.) about thecassette itself must be supported for any type of apparatus from aviewpoint of the problem of compatibility. Therefore, even in the VCRonly for the cassette without a memory, at least only the BCIDinformation of the cassette with a memory must be obtained.

For this purpose, a circuit to discriminate the tape grade as shown inFIGS. 53A and 53B is provided. FIG. 53A shows the case where a cassettewithout a memory was loaded. An IDB 52 having, for example, fourterminals 53a, 53b, 53c, and 53d are provided for a cassette 51 withouta memory. The IDB 52 is connected to the VCR. Namely, the terminal 53ais connected to a terminal 54a, the terminal 53b is connected to aterminal 54b, and the terminal 53c is connected to a terminal 54c,respectively. The terminal 53d is connected to the ground.

The terminal 54a is connected to a power source 60 through a resistor55a and is also connected to a level detecting section 59a. A switch 56whose both ends are used as terminals is provided for the resistor 55a.The terminal 54b is connected to a clock generator 57 and a leveldetecting section 59b and is also connected to the power source 60through a resistor 55b. The terminal 54c is connected to a serialinterface 58 and a level detecting section 59c and is also connected tothe power source 60 through a resistor 55c. The clock generator 57 isconnected to the controller 10 through the serial interface 58. Thelevel detecting sections 59a, 59b, and 59c are connected to thecontroller 10. A switch control signal is supplied from the controller10 to the switch 56.

When the cassette 51 without a memory is loaded, its voltage isdetected. That is, when a proper resistor is connected between theterminals provided in the IDB 52 or a circuit between the terminals isshort-circuited or opened, the voltage detection is executed. Thevoltage detection value is expressed by, for example, a binary value andis set to a value other than all 1. Consequently, the loaded cassette isdetermined to be the cassette without a memory. Discrimination steps ofthe terminal voltage value of the IDB 52 are allocated as follows.

3.0 V˜2.5 V: for digital VCR for business affairs

2.5 V˜1.5 V: for digital VCR for industrial affairs

1.5 V˜0.5 V: reserve

0.5 V˜0 V: for data streamer

As will be also understood from the above allocation, in the VCR forindustrial affairs, the recording can be performed so long as thedetection voltage is merely equal to or higher than the voltage (1.5 V)of 1/2 of the highest voltage. Therefore, the VCR for industrial affairscan always record to the tape for industrial affairs and the tape forbusiness affairs as a selected article of the tapes for industrialaffairs.

Discrimination steps of lower two bits of the BCID are allocated asfollows.

11: for digital VCR for business affairs

10: for digital VCR for industrial affairs

01: reserve

00: for data streamer

In case of the digital VCR for business affairs, it is also possible tofurther finely divide the voltage value and to discriminate the grade.

FIG. 53B shows the case where a cassette with a memory has been loaded.An MIC 62 is provided for a cassette 61 with a memory. The EEPROM 63 isprovided in the MIC 62. Further, for example, four terminals 64a, 64b,64c, and 64d are provided for the EEPROM 63. The MIC 62 is connected tothe VCR. Namely, the terminal 64a is connected to a terminal 65a, theterminal 64b is connected to a terminal 65b, and the terminal 64c isconnected to a terminal 65c, respectively. The terminal 64d is connectedto the ground.

The terminal 65a is connected to a power source 71 through a resistor66a and is also connected to a level detecting section 70a. A switch 67whose both ends are used as terminals is provided for the resistor 66a.The terminal 65b is connected to a clock generator 68 and a leveldetecting section 70b and is also connected to the power source 71through a resistor 66b. The terminal 65c is connected to a serialinterface 69 and a level detecting section 70c and is also connected tothe power source 71 through a resistor 66c. The clock generator 68 isconnected to the controller 10 through the serial interface 69. Thelevel detecting sections 70a, 70b, and 70c are connected to thecontroller 10. A switch control signal is supplied from the controller10 to the switch 67.

When the MIC 62 is loaded, the voltage is detected. The voltage valueswhich are supplied from the level detecting sections 70a, 70b, and 70cto the controller 10 are all set to 1. Due to this, a control signal issupplied from the controller 10 to the switch 67 and the switch 67 isturned on. A serial communication is started between the EEPROM 63 andthe controller 10. An ACK signal is supplied from the EEPROM 63 to thecontroller 10.

By transmitting and receiving the information as mentioned above,information indicating whether the loaded cassette is a rental softcassette tape or a cassette which was recorded by the user by himself orthe like can be also known. In the case where the unrecorded cassette isloaded, information of its recordable time, tape remaining amount, andthe like can be also known.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart for a detection algorithm in the case where acassette with a memory has been loaded. The switch is turned off in step81. A check is made in step 82 to see if the cassette has been loaded ornot. When the loading is detected, the voltage at each terminal isdetected (step 83). In step 84, when all of the outputs from theterminals are equal to "1", the processing routine advances to step 85.The switch is turned on in step 85. The EEPROM 63 is accessed by thecontroller 10 (step 86). In step 87, when the ACK signal is generatedfrom the EEPROM 63, the controller 10 judges that the loaded cassette isthe cassette with a memory (step 88). The processing routine isfinished.

In step 84, when all of the outputs from the terminals are not equal to"1" (in the case where "0" is generated from an arbitrary one terminal),the controller judges that the loaded cassette is the cassette without amemory (step 89). The processing routine is finished. When the ACKsignal is not generated in step 87, the process in step 89 is executed.

FIG. 55 shows the contents space 0 (EEPROM)! of the MIC for VCR in a newcassette tape. As mentioned above, "111" is recorded in APM by the makerin the new cassette tape. The BCID, cassette ID pack, tape length pack,and title end pack are recorded by the maker. The cassette ID pack isrecorded in address 1, the tape length pack is recorded in address 6,and the title end pack is recorded in address 11, respectively. When thecassette tape is loaded into the VCR, the information in addresses 1 and6 is read out by a microcomputer. Since the information in thoseaddresses is fixed, by reading the information from those locations, itis possible to discriminate whether a communication line is good or not.The above constructions can be developed as they are in not only thedigital VTR for consumer but also the analog VTR such as an 8 mm videotape recorder or the like while including the pack structure.

FIG. 56 shows the contents space 0 (EEPROM)! of the MIC other than thecassettes for VCR in the new cassette tape. In FIG. 56, the informationin address 1 is not equal to "00h". Therefore, it is judged that theloaded cassette tape is not the tape for VCR.

FIG. 57 is a flowchart regarding the recognition and recording of APM ofthe digital VCR for industrial affairs. When a cassette tape is loaded(step 91), a check is made to see if address 1 of MIC is equal to "00h"or not (step 92). When address 1 is equal to "00h", the cassette tape isdetermined to be the cassette tape for the VCR standard. A check is madein step 93 to see if APM in address 0 is equal to "111" or not. WhenAPM=111, a check is made to see if the recording is started or not (step94). In step 95, "000" is recorded as APM.

In step 92, when it is judged that address 1 of MIC is not equal to"00h", the process such as alarming, ejection, or the like is executedin step 96.

When it is judged in step 93 that APM in address 0 is not equal to"111", a check is made in step 97 to see if APM in address 0 is equal to"000" or not. When APM=000, an MIC map is formed in step 98.

In step 94, when it is judged that the recording is not started, a checkis made in step 99 to see if the cassette tape is ejected or not. Theejecting process is performed in step 100. When the ejection is notdemanded, the processing routine is returned to step 94.

(J) With respect to events

The tag event and zone event included in the optional events will now bedescribed hereinbelow. The tag event indicates th e position on the tapeand comprises an index, an index skip, a photo (still image), and areserve. The zone event indicates the area on th e tape and comprises azone skip, a repetitive reproduction, a slow reproduction, a specialeffect reproduction, and a reserve. A tape (A in each diagram) which iscontrolled on the basis of the information recorded in the optionalevents and the information (B in each diagram) recorded in the optionalevents are shown in FIGS. 58 to 64.

The tag event will now be described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS.58A to 60B. FIGS. 58A and 58B show cases of recording an index as a tagID. When an index is recorded in the tag (A) of the optional event, theindex A is written at the position on the tape shown by a dotted line.

FIGS. 59A and 59B show cases where a skip start and an index arerecorded in the optional events and the index skip is performed. Anindex is recorded into the tag (B) as a tag ID, an index is recordedinto the tag (C) as a tag ID, and a skip start is recorded into the tag(A) as a tag ID, so that it is possible to skip from the tag (A) to thetag (B). The above processes can be realized without MIC.

FIGS. 60A and 60B show cases of recording the photo (still image) as atag ID and recording the position information in which the still imagewas recorded. When the photo (tag ID) is recorded into the tag (A), thephoto A is written at the position on the tape shown by a dotted line.

The zone event will now be described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS.61A to 64B. FIGS. 61A and 61B show cases of recording the skip as a zoneevent and skipping the designated zone. After the tag (A) is recorded,when the skip is recorded as a tag control into the zone end (D), it ispossible to skip from the tag (A) to the zone end (D). The aboveprocesses can be realized by MIC. The zone can be designatedirrespective of the information of the subcode ID.

FIGS. 62A and 62B show cases of realizing the skip and specialreproduction by recording the tag and the zone end into the optionalevents. After the tag (A) was recorded, the skip is recorded as a tagcontrol into the zone end (B). After the tag (C) was recorded, the slowis recorded as a tag control into the zone end (D). Due to this, aportion between A and B shown on the tape is skipped and a portionbetween C and D is slowly reproduced.

FIGS. 63A and 63B show cases of reproducing the program 2, program 1,and program 3 in accordance with this order. After the tag (B) wasrecorded, the reproduction is recorded as a tag control into the zoneend (C). After the tag (A) was recorded, the reproduction is recorded asa tag control into the zone end (B). After the tag (C) was subsequentlyrecorded, the reproduction is recorded as a tag control into the zoneend (D). Due to this, the tags (A), (B), (C), and (D) are recorded ontothe tape. The program 2, program 1, and program 3 can be reproduced inaccordance with this order.

FIGS. 64A and 64B show cases of executing the processes in accordancewith the order of the reproduction of the zone 2, slow reproduction ofthe zone 1, and reproduction after the program 2. After the tag (C) wasrecorded, the reproduction is recorded as a tag control into the zoneend (D). After the tag (A) was subsequently recorded, the slow isrecorded as a tag control into the zone end (B). Further after that,after the tag (E) was recorded, the reproduction is recorded as a tagcontrol into the zone end (F). Due to this, the above processes can beexecuted.

FIG. 65 shows the details of the event headers. As will be alsounderstood from FIG. 65, as events, there are a tag, a zone, a title, achapter, a part, a program, a reserve, a timer reservation, a text, anda maker's optional. The event header pack and the pack header are set to"tag" and "0Bh" in case of the tag; "tag" and "0Bh" in case of the zone;"title start" and "1Bh" in case of the title; "chapter start" and "2Bh"in case of the chapter; "part start" and "3Bh" in case of the part;"program start" and "4Bh" in case of the program; and "no event headerpack" and "XBh" in case of the reserve.

As will be also obviously understood from the above description, thelower bits of the pack header are set to 1011 (B of the hexadecimalnotation). That is, "Bh" in the pack header table (refer to FIG. 24)indicates the event header. With respect to the future development, anyexception other than the timer reservation, text, and maker's optional,which will be explained hereinlater, are not admitted and lower fourbits of the event header which will newly appear are certainly set toBh. Due to this, even if a new event header exists in future, since itcan be discriminated by the present control program, so that no problemwill occur.

The following event header pack and pack header are set to "timer daterecord" and "02h" in case of the timer reservation; "test header" and"X8h" in case of the text; and "maker code" and "F0h" in case of themaker's optional. "X"in the pack header indicates a pack upper header.The event header of the character event is set to a TP header pack (07h)and a text header pack. Further, in the event headers other than themaker's optional event and the text event, a flag indicative of thepresence or absence of the text event associated with it certainlyexists.

As will be also understood from the above description, fundamentally,lower four bits of each pack header in the event header are set to "Bh".Referring now to the header table of FIG. 24, each content in the casewhere the lower four bits are set to "Bh" is equalized with each contentin the case where lower four bits are set to "Ah". Each contents in thecase where lower four bits are set to "Eh" is equalized with eachcontent in the case where lower four bits are set to "Fh". By using theabove construction, in the case where the cassette with a memory isapplied, a header whose lower four bits are set to "Bh" and "Fh" can beused. In the case where the 8 mm video cassette or the like is applied,a header whose lower four bits are set to "Ah" and "Eh" can be used.

That is, by merely changing one bit of the lower header, the header ofthe cassette with a memory and the header of the 8 mm video tape or thelike can be switched. Due to this, a common header table can be usedeven for the 8 mm video tape or the like. In the digital VCR, since thetrack number has been recorded every track, the track numbers are usedfor the tape length pack and the TOC information. However, in the cameraintegrated type VCR (8 mm video camera or the like), since there is notrack number, a time code of HMS (hour/minute/second) is recorded.

(K) With respect to the generation and erasure of events

The generation and erasure of the optional events will now be describedhereinbelow by using FIGS. 66 to 70. As mentioned above, in the casewhere there is no maker's option, the text event is located at the lastposition. A flag indicating whether the annexed text event exists or notis added. After completion of the event, the data is packed in thedirection of the upper address. After completion of the packing work,FFh is written into the unnecessary data and such data is set into theunused data. Numeral 0 or 1 which is written to the side of the pack ofeach diagram denotes a text flag indicating whether there is a text ornot.

FIG. 66 is a diagram regarding the timer reservation, program eventgeneration, and index event generation. The program event denotes theevent about the recorded program information. As an initial state, aprogram event 1 (P1), a program event 2 (P2), a continuous timerreservation event 1 (T1), a text of the program event 1 (P1 text), and atext of the timer reservation event 1 (Ti text) are sequentiallyrecorded in accordance with this order (FIG. 66A). The timer reservationis performed once. In the case where there is a text in the timerreservation, the areas of the P1 text and T2 text are shifted to theback position and the area of the timer reservation event 2 (T2) isassured between the T1 and P1 texts (FIG. 66B). The timer reservationevent T2 is added into the above area (FIG. 66C). Further, the text (T2text) regarding the timer reservation event is added to the lastposition (FIG. 66D).

In the case where the program event is generated and there is a text inthe program event, the areas of the P1 text and T1 text are shifted tothe back position and the area of the program event 3 (P3) is assuredbetween the T2 area and the P1 text (FIG. 66E). The program event P3 isadded into such an area (FIG. 66F). Further, the text (P3 text) aboutthe program event P is added to the last position (FIG. 66G).

When the index event is generated and there is no text in the indexevent, the areas of the P1 text, T1 text, T2 text, and P3 text are movedto the back position and the area of the index event 1 (I1) is assuredbetween the program event P3 and the P1 text (FIG. 66H). The I1 event isrecorded in this area (FIG. 66I).

When reaching the time shown by the timer reservation event T2 from astate shown in FIG. 67A, the timer reservation event T2 is replaced tothe program event 4 and the text (T2 text) of the timer reservationevent is replaced to the text (P4 text) of the program 4. Such areplacement can be realized by merely changing the header. After that,the areas after the program event P3 are shifted in the direction of theupper address and the program event P4 is erased (FIG. 67C). After that,the P3 text is shifted in the direction of the upper address and the P4text is erased (FIG. 67D). The data after the P3 text at the lastposition is set to FFh (FIG. 67E).

When reaching to the time shown by the timer reservation event T1, theP1 text, T1 text, and P3 text are shifted to the back position and thearea for the program event 5 is assured (FIG. 67F). The program event P5is added into this area (FIG. 67G). The P5 text as a text of P5 is addedto the last position (FIG. 67H).

FIG. 68 shows a case of recording another program into one program.First, when it is now assumed that the program 1, program 2, and program3 sequentially exist, as shown in FIG. 68A, a start pack of the programevent 1 is set to S1, an end pack of the program event 1 is set to E1, astart pack of the program event 2 is set to S2, an end pack of theprogram event 2 is set to E2, a start pack of the program event 3 is setto S3, and an end pack of the program event 3 is set to E3. The text (T1text) of the program 1, the text (T2 text) of the program 2, and thetext (T3 text) of the program 3 are sequentially added (FIG. 68A).

When the program 4 is recorded into the program 1, processes in FIGS.68B to 68D are executed. Namely, the T1 text, T2 text, and t3 text aremoved to the back position, the area for the program event P4 isprovided, and the start pack S4 and end pack E4 of P4 are inserted. TheT4 text as a text of P4 is added to the last position. To generate aprogram event P1' of a remaining program 1' of the program, processes inFIGS. 68E to 68H are executed. Namely, the T1 text, T2 text, T3 text,and T4 text are shifted to the back position and the areas for the startpack E4 and end pack E1 of the program event P1' are formed. The packsE4 and E1 corresponding to such an area are inserted. After that, theT1' text as an event text of P1' is added. The end pack of the P1' isadded at last.

FIG. 69 is a diagram regarding the generation of events and therewriting of an end pack and a start pack in the case where anotherprogram was recorded so as to exist over two programs. First, when it isassumed that the program 1, program 2, and program 3 sequentially existin accordance with this order, the start pack of the program event P1 isset to S1, the end pack of the program event P1 is set to E1, the startpack of the program event P2 is set to S2, the end pack of the programevent P2 is set to E2, the start pack of the program event P3 is set toS3, and the end pack of the program event P3 is set to E3. The text (T1text) of the program event P1, the text (T2 text) of the program eventP2, and the text (T3 text) of the program event P3 are sequentiallyadded.

In order to record the program 4 so as to exist over the programs 1 and2, processes in FIGS. 69B to 69D are executed. Namely, the T1 text, T2text, and T3 text are shifted to the back position and the area for theprogram 4 is provided. A start pack S4 and an end pack E4 of a programevent P4 are inserted into such an area. After that, the T4 text as atext of the program event P4 is added to the last position. The end packof the program event P1 and the start pack of the program event P2 arerewritten (FIGS. 69E and 69F).

FIG. 70 shows a case where another program is recorded from the halfwayof the program 1 and all of the subsequent programs are erased. First,when it is assumed that the program 1, program 2,and program 3sequentially exist in accordance with this order, the start pack of theprogram 1 is set to S1, the end pack of the program 1 is set to El, thestart pack of the program 2 is set to S2, the end pack of the program 2is set to E2, the start pack of the program 3 is set to S3, and the endpack of the program 3 is set to E3. The text (T1 text) of the programevent 1, the text (T2 text) of the program event 2, and the text (T3text) of the program event 3 are sequentially added. The program eventP4 is recorded from the halfway of the program 1.

Processes in FIGS. 70B to 70D are executed. That is, the T1 text, T2text, and T3 text are shifted to the back position and the area for theprogram event P4 is provided. The start pack S4 and end pack E4 of theprogram event 4 are inserted into such an area. The T4 text as a text ofthe program event P4 is added to the last position. A rewriting processof the end pack of the program event P1 is executed (FIG. 70E). Theprogram events P2 and P3 are erased (FIG. 70F). After the texts of theprogram events P2 and P3 were erased (FIG. 70G), the last position isrewritten to FFh (FIG. 70H).

As will be also understood from the above description, in the optionalarea, the text event is arranged after the other events (other than themaker's optional event), the events other than the text event arearranged in accordance with the generation order, and further a flag todiscriminate whether there is character information regarding the eventis added to each event header. Due to this, the generation, erasure, andthe like of the new event on the MIC can be executed by merely a blocktransfer of the memory. The change in pack (becomes the program event)after the timer reservation was executed can be performed by merelyrewriting the pack header. Similar processes are also applied withrespect to the text event.

As for the program event, the program start pack is set to the eventheader (01001011 in the header table). The program start pack andprogram end pack indicative of the positions of the recording startpoint and end point of the program on the tape certainly exist. In caseof wanting the recording of the other recording year/month/day, sourceinformation, etc., each pack is added and recorded in front of the nextevent header.

(L) With respect to the case of recording a plurality of text events

The case of recording a plurality of character information (programtitle, name of broadcasting station, etc.) regarding one recordedprogram will now be described. Since the text pack has a variable lengthconstruction, it can be realized. An array of the program eventsprovided with the areas for storing information TNT (Total Number ofTEXT events) indicating how many text events corresponding to theprogram events exist in the program end pack which is certainly used inthe program event is shown below. In FIG. 71, the program event 1,program event 2, program event 3, text event of the program event 1,text event of the program event 1, text event of the program event 1,text event of the program event 3, text event of the program event 3,and FFh are sequentially recorded in the optional area in accordancewith this order.

The text flag "0" exists in the program start pack of the programevent 1. Thus, the program end pack is made effective. On the otherhand, for example, when the text flag of the program start pack is setto "1", the program end pack is made invalid. "TNT=3" exists in theprogram end pack. The text events of the number designated by the TNTcorrespond to the program event 1. Thus, a plurality of text events canbe made correspond to one event. Therefore, a plurality of characterinformation such as program title, broadcasting station name, and thelike can be added to the one recorded program. A similar construction isalso applied onto the tape.

FIG. 72 is a flowchart for processes which are realized by FIG. 71. InFIG. 72, a check is made to see if the text flag in the program startpack is equal to "0" or not (step 101). When the text flag="0", the TNTin the program end pack is referred (step 102). The text events of thenumber shown in the TNT are made correspond to the program events (step103) and the processing routine is finished. In step 101, when the textflag=1, the processing routine is finished as it is.

FIG. 73 shows a data array of variable length text packs. In FIG. 73,the header of each pack is equal to "48h". Due to this, the start of thepack can be recognized. The packs indicative of the numbers of bytes ofthe character information which the packs have are stored after theheader. In FIG. 73, there are "0Eh" and "03h" and this means that thecharacter information (TDP) indicates 14. Subsequently, there are packs"00h" and "20h" indicative of the text types and they indicate that thetext types are set to "NAME" and "STATION". Next, there is a pack "46h"indicative of the text code. After that, the character codes are stored.The number of character codes is specified by the pack which is locatedafter the header and indicates TDP.

FIG. 74 shows program text header packs in the case where TDP=n. In FIG.74, TDP is expressed by a binary number by the least significant bit ofPC2 to the least significant bit of PC1. OPN (optional number) isrecorded in the remaining three bits among the lower bits of PC2. Thetext type is recorded in the upper four bits. OPN is used as follows.For example, In England, .English Pound. (OPN=000) which is expressed bythe ASCII code is converted like # (OPN=001) in Germany by changing OPN.The text code is recorded in PC3. The text data 1, text data 2, . . .are sequentially recorded from PC4 and the text data n is recorded intoPC(n+3).

(M) With respect to a tag recording

In case of recording video data and audio data by a digital VCR, cameraintegrated type VCR, or the like by using a cassette with a memory, at arecording start time point, flags to discriminate that the time point isthe recording start point are recorded into the VAUX data and AAUX databy an amount of, for example, one second with respect to the video dataand one frame with regard to the audio data. Those flags are referred toas a video recording start flag and an audio recording start flag,respectively. By recording such flags, noises which are generated in thecase where the tag recording was performed can be eliminated or thestarting position of the recording can be searched.

FIG. 75A shows a recording pattern of the tape in the case where therecording has been performed by the VCR. In FIG. 75A, an index isrecorded into the subcode for five seconds from the recording startpoint, so that the high speed search can be performed. The videorecording start flag is recorded in the VAUX data for one second.

FIG. 75B shows a recording pattern of the tape in the case where therecording has been performed by the video deck. In FIG. 75B, the videorecording start flag is recorded into the VAUX data for one second fromthe recording start point.

FIG. 75C shows a recording pattern of the tape in the case where theVAUX data and AAUX data are recorded. In FIG. 75C, the video recordingstart flag is recorded into the VAUX data for one second from therecording start point. The audio recording start flag is recorded intothe AAUX data for one frame from the recording start point.

Means for recording the video recording start flag and the audiorecording start flag is realized by recording (negative logic) "0" intothe recording start flags in the VAUX data source control pack (refer toFIG. 38) and AAUX data source control pack (refer to FIG. 32) to storecontrol information of the video data and audio data for a predeterminedtime from the recording start point.

FIG. 76 is a flowchart in case of reproducing the video data. In FIG.76, a check is made to see if the control mode has been set into theindex search or not (step 111). In case of the index search, the subcodeis searched (step 112). A check is made to see if the index has beenrecorded in the subcode or not (step 113). When no index is recorded,the processing routine is returned to step 112. In the case where theindex has been recorded, the head reproduction is executed from therecording start point of the index in step 114. The processing routineis finished.

In step 111, when it is judged that the control mode is not the indexsearch, the processing routine advances to step 115. In step 115, acheck is made to see if the control mode has been set to the search ofthe recording start point or not. When it is not the search of therecording start point, the processing routine is finished as it is. Onthe other hand, when it is judged that the control mode is the search ofthe recording start point, the VAUX data is searched in step 116. Afterthat, a check is made in step 117 to see if the recording start flag isequal to "0" or not. If it is not equal to "0", the processing routineis returned to step 116. On the other hand, when it is equal to "0", thehead reproduction is executed from the recording start point of"recording start flag=0" (step 118). The processing routine is finished.

FIG. 77 is a flowchart in case of reproducing the audio data. When thetape is reproduced in step 121, a check is made to see if the recordingstart flag of the AAUX data is equal to "0" or not (step 122). If it isnot equal to "0", the process in step 121 is repeated. In step 122, whenthe recording start flag is equal to "0", the audio data is muted (step123). After that, the processing routine is returned to step 122.

According to the invention, by setting the relation between the textevent and the character information into one to a plural number, aplurality of character information can be added to the recording videoimage.

According to the invention, by properly setting the recording order ofthe events, data processes in case of adding or deleting characterinformation can be easily executed.

Having described a specific preferred embodiment of the presentinvention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited to that precise embodiment,and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein byone skilled in the art without departing from the scope or the spirit ofthe invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cassette having a magnetic record medium onwhich video data and audio data are digitally recorded and a memoryhaving stored therein at least program data packs of a fixed length andadditional information packs of a variable length, each of said programdata packs including data indicating the number of said additionalinformation packs pertaining to the respective program data pack, andsaid program data packs including data relating to said video data andaudio data recorded on said record medium; wherein each of said fixedlength packs and said variable length packs includes a header made up ofa multiple of bits, said header having one or more indicators of thecontents of said pack including an indicator of whether or not said packis a fixed length pack or a variable length pack, and wherein said bitsof said header are partitioned into groups, each group corresponding toa level in a hierarchical header.
 2. The cassette of claim 1, whereinsaid additional information packs each include character informationrelating to said program data.
 3. A cassette having a magnetic recordmedium on which video and audio data are recorded and a memory in whichdigital data is stored, said memory having a main area having a fixedlength pack structure in which cassette-type information is stored andan optional area having fixed length packs in which table-of-contentsinformation are stored and variable length packs in which characterinformation are stored, said character information pertaining to eventsof the table-of-contents information stored in said optional area, andbeing stored after all of the other information in said optional area;wherein each of said fixed length packs and said variable length packsincludes a header made up of a multiple of bits, said header having oneor more indicators of the contents of said pack including an indicatorof whether or not said pack is a fixed length pack or a variable lengthpack, and wherein said bits of said header are partitioned into groups,each group corresponding to a level in a hierarchical header structure.4. The cassette claim 3, wherein a text flag indicative of the presenceof character information pertaining to a particular event stored in saidoptional area is stored in said particular event.
 5. The cassette ofclaim 3, wherein said events stored in said optional area aresequentially stored in said optional area in said memory in accordancewith the order the events are generated.
 6. The cassette of claim 3,wherein said optional area further includes timer recording information,and wherein said timer recording information stored in said optionalarea is changed to program data pertaining to the particular programrecorded by a recording device corresponding to said timer recordinginformation.
 7. Apparatus for recording video and audio data on a recordmedium in a cassette and for storing digital data in a memory of saidcassette, comprising:means for recording video and audio data on saidrecord medium; means for storing event data in said memory, said eventdata relating to said video and audio data and including character packnumber data and being stored in fixed length packs in said memory, andfor storing character data in variable length packs pertaining to saidevent data in said memory after said event data, said character packnumber data indicating a number of variable length packs having thereinsaid character data pertaining to said event data; wherein each of saidfixed length packs and said variable length packs includes a header madeup of a multiple of bits, said header having one or more indicators ofthe contents of said pack including an indicator of whether or not saidpack is a fixed length pack or a variable length pack, and wherein saidbits of said header are partitioned into groups, each groupcorresponding to a level in a hierarchical header structure.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein said means for storing is operable tostore a plurality of event data, each of said event data pertaining to arespective event, and to store all of said character data after all ofsaid event data in said memory.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, whereineach said event data includes a respective text flag indicating theexistence of character data in said memory pertaining to said respectiveevent data.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said plurality ofevent data is sequentially stored in said memory in order of occurrenceindependent of the order of the video and audio data recorded on saidrecord medium to which the plurality of event data refer.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein said event data corresponds to a timerrecord operation, and said means for storing is operable to replace saidevent data stored in said memory corresponding to said timer recordoperation with an event data corresponding to said video and audio dataafter said means for recording records said video and audio data on saidrecord medium in accordance with said timer record operation.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein said event data includes a text flagindicating the existence of character data in said memory pertaining tosaid event data.